Emily Gibson is a 2020 graduate from the USC Gould School of Law’s on-campus Master of Studies in Law program. In this Q&A, Gibson discusses her educational experience and memorable moments, and also shares insights for prospective students.
What made you pursue a On-Campus MSL? Why at USC Gould School of Law?
I began my career at a law firm to see if I was interested in pursuing a JD. I learned that I was indeed interested in the law, but I was also interested in business and finding practical solutions to operational issues. Pursuing a JD didn’t quite feel like the right fit. When I learned about the MSL program I found a range of classes that covered the crossroads of basic legal principles and business considerations that I was interested in.
What was your experience balancing your On-Campus MSL coursework with your professional and personal commitments? What strategies helped you succeed?
The MSL program offered me flexibility as a part-time student so that I could continue to work full-time. It wasn’t always easy to balance coursework with my day job, but what I was learning in the classroom directly informed the skills I was developing in my compliance role. This reinforcement gave me a new level of confidence that made the hard work well worth it.
What is your most memorable experience or key learning takeaway from your studies at USC Gould?
My biggest takeaway from the MSL program was a framework for how to think about doing business well with a holistic approach, from a compliance perspective. Learning the language of compliance and the basics of what an organization needs to do to meet legal requirements was valuable in and of itself. Beyond these basics, I also learned how to think about the implications of simply meeting legal requirements versus developing practices that enable people to do the right thing in the long-term, balancing that with business efficiency needs.
How has your On-Campus MSL given you an advantage in your career?
Since completing my degree, I have continued to hone my skills in developing and executing compliance procedures. My degree enabled me to make my first career move to a new firm, where I was quickly able to apply for a promotion. I have found the MSL program to still be relatively unknown, giving me an excellent opportunity to stand out and talk about what I learned. This degree provided some formal backing to my work experience that helps me articulate my expertise.
What advice would you give to prospective students who are interested in pursuing their MSL?
I would advise students who already have work experience to integrate their coursework into their job as much as they can and seek support from their employers as able. I believe this program was beneficial to me because what I was learning was more concrete than conceptual. Asking colleagues about something I learned and how they’ve seen it in their work made it all real.
What sparked your interest in learning about law?
In college, I studied international relations and found that all of my mentors in the public policy space were lawyers. This piqued my interest and started me on my journey into compliance. I am happy to have found a field that allows me to grow in many areas of interest beyond strict law, and I greatly appreciate having a degree that supports these varied interests. I now focus on political compliance, further allowing me to mix some of my original academic interests back into my day-to-day role.
What relationships or connections formed during the program have proven most valuable to you?
The Trojan network as a whole has lived up to its reputation. I have met many alumni at networking events, work, and even just out and about! Everyone is always excited to connect and share advice, whether personal or professional. My USC experience serves as an immediate connection to so many different people.
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